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Above the law in Honduras
Author: Raine
Date: 07/02/2009 12:47:57
President Manuel Zelaya, President of Honduras was ousted from office last Friday by the Honduran Military. It has largely gone unreported due to off-the-wall Jackson Coverage. I'm pretty sure that had Michael not died this story would have gone unreported anyway. You see, the coup has American fingerprints all over it.
Gen. Romeo Vásquez, who was fired right before the coup by the president was a graduate of the SOA/WHINSEC Other reports, indicate that the military had no choice but to oust an elected leader. Scary stuff. It's quite frightening for the people of Honduras, who have had cellphone access cut off, media blackouts and power outages. They are protesting in the face of rubber bullets and tear gas. While we are praying for the people of Iran, so little is being reported about the people of Honduras who have been protesting the military takeover of their country. Shockingly enough, there are people who are quite pleased there was a military coup. People Like Newt Gingrich, who has long been opposed to closing SOA/WHINSEC, tweeted the following:
Robert Noriega has a good primer on the Honduras situation in AEI blog
A few other comments, were eye catchers too:
Sadly the Obama administration has joined Castro and Chavez attacking Honduran supreme court and congress for defending their constitution
Having Castro call for defending democracy should convince any reasonable person that Honduras was on the edge of a leftist dictatorship
Newt, representing the GOP, these days -- only seems to believe in democracy when they like the leader. Don't worry though, after those comments he was off to McDonald's with his MIL and wife. It was a delicious chicken sandwich with French fries. No word on how many people have been killed in Honduras.
In November of 2007, Four Freedoms wrote of this School of Assassins. When you are done, please take time to write a letter calling for the passage of H.R. 2567, to close this place. We came very close last year, maybe we can do it this year. One day we will be able to say we no longer train assassins.
:peace: and :heart:
Raine
Gen. Romeo Vásquez, who was fired right before the coup by the president was a graduate of the SOA/WHINSEC
The crisis in Honduras began when the military refused to distribute ballot boxes for the opinion poll in a new Constitution. President Zelaya fired the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Romeo Orlando Vasquez Velasquez, who refused to step down. The heads of all branches of the Honduran armed forces quit in solidarity with Vasquez. Vasquez, however, refused to step down, bolstered by support in Congress and a Supreme Court ruling that reinstated him. Vasquez remains in control of the armed forces.
Vasquez, along with other military leaders, graduated from the United States' infamous School of the Americas (SOA). According to a School of the Americas Watch database compiled from information obtained from the US government, Vasquez studied in the SOA at least twice: once in 1976 and again in 1984.
Honduras -- The Honduran general whose refusal to help carry out a plebiscite set the stage for the president's ouster here says he did not seek to stage a coup -- he was trying to defend his country's constitution.
''I feel bad about what happened,'' said Gen. Romeo Vásquez. "I tried very hard to counsel the president to find a legal way out of this. There was no way.
" Nobody is above the law. "
Honduras President Manuel ''Mel'' Zelaya was booted from office by force at dawn Sunday when the Supreme Court, armed forces and attorney general determined Zelaya was about to commit treason, Vásquez said.
The move is being repudiated internationally.
Zelaya had planned to conduct a referendum Sunday that would have asked Honduran voters whether they wanted the November elections to include a fourth ballot asking for a constituent assembly to reform the constitution.
A few other comments, were eye catchers too:
Newt, representing the GOP, these days -- only seems to believe in democracy when they like the leader. Don't worry though, after those comments he was off to McDonald's with his MIL and wife. It was a delicious chicken sandwich with French fries. No word on how many people have been killed in Honduras.
In November of 2007, Four Freedoms wrote of this School of Assassins. When you are done, please take time to write a letter calling for the passage of H.R. 2567, to close this place. We came very close last year, maybe we can do it this year. One day we will be able to say we no longer train assassins.
:peace: and :heart:
Raine
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Scoopster on 07/02/2009 13:11:53
Scoopster on 07/02/2009 13:11:53
morning... can we go back to bed? :sleeping:
Comment by 
wickedpam on 07/02/2009 13:14:50
wickedpam on 07/02/2009 13:14:50
Morning :hug:
Comment by 
TriSec on 07/02/2009 13:22:05
TriSec on 07/02/2009 13:22:05
Morning folks. Just emerging from the storm shelter. For a while there it was looking more like 9pm instead of 9am.
At least the rain will wash away all the goose poop around here.
At least the rain will wash away all the goose poop around here.
Comment by Scoopster on 07/02/2009 13:23:43
Scoopster on 07/02/2009 13:23:43
Wow.. this shit Rush Limbaugh said is some of the sickest, most blatantly racist garbage I've ever heard.
Comment by 
Raine on 07/02/2009 13:28:37
What did he say now?
Raine on 07/02/2009 13:28:37
Quote by Scoopster:
Wow.. this shit Rush Limbaugh said is some of the sickest, most blatantly racist garbage I've ever heard.
Comment by wickedpam on 07/02/2009 13:29:17
wickedpam on 07/02/2009 13:29:17
Comment by Raine on 07/02/2009 13:31:11
Raine on 07/02/2009 13:31:11
Comment by Scoopster on 07/02/2009 13:33:31
“Michael Jackson died during the era of the first black president..... How about if I say it that way?”
Even his in-studio staff was in disbelief.
Scoopster on 07/02/2009 13:33:31
Quote by Raine:What did he say now?Quote by Scoopster:
Wow.. this shit Rush Limbaugh said is some of the sickest, most blatantly racist garbage I've ever heard.
“Michael Jackson died during the era of the first black president..... How about if I say it that way?”
Even his in-studio staff was in disbelief.
Comment by Raine on 07/02/2009 13:35:48
:( awww...
Raine on 07/02/2009 13:35:48
Quote by wickedpam:
Did anyone have this yesterday? I attention was elsewhere
RIP Mrs. Slocombe
:( awww...
Comment by wickedpam on 07/02/2009 13:39:25
I know, who will take care of her pussy?
Did I say that?
wickedpam on 07/02/2009 13:39:25
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
Did anyone have this yesterday? I attention was elsewhere
RIP Mrs. Slocombe
:( awww...
I know, who will take care of her pussy?
Did I say that?
Comment by wickedpam on 07/02/2009 13:42:31
God that looks beautiful!
wickedpam on 07/02/2009 13:42:31
Quote by Raine:
Wow! A copy of The Declaration of Independence found in Britain!
God that looks beautiful!
Comment by Raine on 07/02/2009 13:50:50
Ahhh... yes I heard that one last night. Stunner, huh?
Raine on 07/02/2009 13:50:50
Quote by Scoopster:
“Michael Jackson died during the era of the first black president..... How about if I say it that way?”
Even his in-studio staff was in disbelief.
Comment by Raine on 07/02/2009 13:54:27
Raine on 07/02/2009 13:54:27
Subtitles are not exactly work safe..
Comment by Scoopster on 07/02/2009 13:55:56
Scoopster on 07/02/2009 13:55:56
Caption aside, damn that's too cute!
Comment by 
BobR on 07/02/2009 13:56:27
I guess Obama really IS out to get the white man...
:skates off to penalty box:
BobR on 07/02/2009 13:56:27
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:What did he say now?Quote by Scoopster:
Wow.. this shit Rush Limbaugh said is some of the sickest, most blatantly racist garbage I've ever heard.
“Michael Jackson died during the era of the first black president..... How about if I say it that way?”
Even his in-studio staff was in disbelief.
I guess Obama really IS out to get the white man...
:skates off to penalty box:
Comment by Scoopster on 07/02/2009 14:01:31
Scoopster on 07/02/2009 14:01:31
:rimshot:
Comment by 
livingonli on 07/02/2009 14:20:25
livingonli on 07/02/2009 14:20:25
Good morning everyone. :)
I'm actually up before 11. Then again I went to bed at 2:30 last night which these days is early for me.
I have to check because Lizz is supposed to be on Ed tonight. I don't know if she's doing a segment or better yet if she's filling in because if Allison Stewart is still filling in for Rachel we may be subjected to another Michael Jackson special.
I'm actually up before 11. Then again I went to bed at 2:30 last night which these days is early for me.
I have to check because Lizz is supposed to be on Ed tonight. I don't know if she's doing a segment or better yet if she's filling in because if Allison Stewart is still filling in for Rachel we may be subjected to another Michael Jackson special.
Comment by livingonli on 07/02/2009 14:23:01
Mala, I didn't think you would go there. I thought it was up to the rest of us to go off-color. 
livingonli on 07/02/2009 14:23:01
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
Did anyone have this yesterday? I attention was elsewhere
RIP Mrs. Slocombe
:( awww...
I know, who will take care of her pussy?
Did I say that?
Mala, I didn't think you would go there. I thought it was up to the rest of us to go off-color.
Comment by livingonli on 07/02/2009 14:24:10
If only Keith was on last night, he would have said something.
livingonli on 07/02/2009 14:24:10
Quote by Raine:Ahhh... yes I heard that one last night. Stunner, huh?Quote by Scoopster:
“Michael Jackson died during the era of the first black president..... How about if I say it that way?”
Even his in-studio staff was in disbelief.
If only Keith was on last night, he would have said something.
Comment by BobR on 07/02/2009 14:28:33
her status update on fb says she'll be on for four minutes
BobR on 07/02/2009 14:28:33
Quote by livingonli:
Good morning everyone. :)
I'm actually up before 11. Then again I went to bed at 2:30 last night which these days is early for me.
I have to check because Lizz is supposed to be on Ed tonight. I don't know if she's doing a segment or better yet if she's filling in because if Allison Stewart is still filling in for Rachel we may be subjected to another Michael Jackson special.
her status update on fb says she'll be on for four minutes
Comment by Scoopster on 07/02/2009 14:29:36
That MJ shitfest with Shuster last night was embarassing. I actually ended up switching over to some UFC event organized for the troops.
I did watch part of Ed's show yesterday and he had Dan Abrams on.. dude's gone half-grey haired and had about three days of beard growing it was HILARIOUS.
Scoopster on 07/02/2009 14:29:36
Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine:Ahhh... yes I heard that one last night. Stunner, huh?Quote by Scoopster:
“Michael Jackson died during the era of the first black president..... How about if I say it that way?”
Even his in-studio staff was in disbelief.
If only Keith was on last night, he would have said something.
That MJ shitfest with Shuster last night was embarassing. I actually ended up switching over to some UFC event organized for the troops.
I did watch part of Ed's show yesterday and he had Dan Abrams on.. dude's gone half-grey haired and had about three days of beard growing it was HILARIOUS.
Comment by Scoopster on 07/02/2009 14:30:57
Scoopster on 07/02/2009 14:30:57
Oooh Andy Roddick's through to the semis @ Wimbledon! Plays tomorrow vs. Andy Murray, Federer plays in the other semi.
Comment by Raine on 07/02/2009 14:34:05
Raine on 07/02/2009 14:34:05
The Republican Class of 1994 plagued with scandal
1994, the year of the Contract for America... that worked out well...
1994, the year of the Contract for America... that worked out well...
Comment by wickedpam on 07/02/2009 14:41:36
every once in a while I have to do my share of the heavy lifting - basically I moved a hasack eveyone else can get the couch :D
wickedpam on 07/02/2009 14:41:36
Quote by livingonli:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
Did anyone have this yesterday? I attention was elsewhere
RIP Mrs. Slocombe
:( awww...
I know, who will take care of her pussy?
Did I say that?
Mala, I didn't think you would go there. I thought it was up to the rest of us to go off-color.
every once in a while I have to do my share of the heavy lifting - basically I moved a hasack eveyone else can get the couch :D
Comment by Raine on 07/02/2009 15:04:30
Raine on 07/02/2009 15:04:30
Looks like the Kennedy/Dodd Health bill will be coming out of committee.
This part is interesting:The Fee is pretty small, which may cause employers to drop insurance for the public option. I believe the devil is in the details, and we will find out more information after they come back from recess.
The Republicans have to make a choice now-- raise the Fee (read: TAX) to encourage employers not to drop insurance or let it stand, thereby taking money away from private insurance by allowing such a low fee that employers might not want to buy it?
Funny that.
This part is interesting:
the revised proposal calls for a $750 annual fee on employers for each full-time worker not offered coverage through their job. The fee would be set at $375 for part-time workers. Companies with fewer than 25 employees would be exempt. The fee was forecast to generate $52 billion over 10 years, money the government would use to help provide subsidies to those who cannot afford insurance.
The Republicans have to make a choice now-- raise the Fee (read: TAX) to encourage employers not to drop insurance or let it stand, thereby taking money away from private insurance by allowing such a low fee that employers might not want to buy it?
Funny that.
Comment by wickedpam on 07/02/2009 15:07:07
wickedpam on 07/02/2009 15:07:07
Comment by TriSec on 07/02/2009 15:07:33
Reading this, I'm struck by the common theme...."Divorced his wife, then married a member of his staff."
In many ways, Congress is a closed society. I suppose that's inevitable that things like that would happen.
TriSec on 07/02/2009 15:07:33
Quote by Raine:
The Republican Class of 1994 plagued with scandal
1994, the year of the Contract for America... that worked out well...
Reading this, I'm struck by the common theme...."Divorced his wife, then married a member of his staff."
In many ways, Congress is a closed society. I suppose that's inevitable that things like that would happen.
Comment by wickedpam on 07/02/2009 15:26:26
law of averages kinda thing. I don't mind if some gets divorced or marries a member of there staff or some variation of that - what I do mind is if they stand on a stack of Bibles and wag their fingers at people who do similar things. I truly hate hypocracy (even if I can't spell it)
wickedpam on 07/02/2009 15:26:26
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Raine:
The Republican Class of 1994 plagued with scandal
1994, the year of the Contract for America... that worked out well...
Reading this, I'm struck by the common theme...."Divorced his wife, then married a member of his staff."
In many ways, Congress is a closed society. I suppose that's inevitable that things like that would happen.
law of averages kinda thing. I don't mind if some gets divorced or marries a member of there staff or some variation of that - what I do mind is if they stand on a stack of Bibles and wag their fingers at people who do similar things. I truly hate hypocracy (even if I can't spell it)
Comment by Raine on 07/02/2009 15:37:46
Raine on 07/02/2009 15:37:46
How unfortunate!
A local teacher accidentally put pornography into a DVD that was meant to be filled with school memories from the past year, and nobody caught the error until after it was sent home, shocking parents and students alike.
Parents of students who attend Isabelle Jackson Elementary said that the woman is a good teacher, but just made a mistake that may become the most embarrassing moment of their life.
The offending DVD starts with a menu screen that displays various school trips and functions, and when you click on one of them, you see kids in a classroom sharing stories. They start clapping, then the video suddenly cuts to sex.
Comment by Scoopster on 07/02/2009 15:40:09
Scoopster on 07/02/2009 15:40:09
Well that certainly beats the time when I was in Home Ec class and a sub teacher had us watch "The Golden Child" and write an essay on it.
Comment by Scoopster on 07/02/2009 16:01:32
Scoopster on 07/02/2009 16:01:32
Comment by TriSec on 07/02/2009 16:05:35
TriSec on 07/02/2009 16:05:35
I think I'll snap and go on a multi-state rampage.
Who's with me?
:pirate:
Who's with me?
:pirate:
Comment by Scoopster on 07/02/2009 16:18:39
Scoopster on 07/02/2009 16:18:39
I'll bring & ride shotgun if you bring the greens :p
Comment by Raine on 07/02/2009 16:31:07
Raine on 07/02/2009 16:31:07
:::steps back ::::
Someone needs to get a sunlamp for Tri
Someone needs to get a sunlamp for Tri
Comment by TriSec on 07/02/2009 16:57:55
TriSec on 07/02/2009 16:57:55
Another big av-dorky day....
First flight of a Zeppelin (LZ-1) on Lake Constance in 1900.
Navigator Fred Noonan and his pilot, a Ms. Earhart, disappeared on this day in 1937.
First flight of a Zeppelin (LZ-1) on Lake Constance in 1900.
Navigator Fred Noonan and his pilot, a Ms. Earhart, disappeared on this day in 1937.
Comment by Scoopster on 07/02/2009 17:08:11
Scoopster on 07/02/2009 17:08:11
:banana: We just had our best sales month ever! :banana:
(and the owner gave us all bonuses b/c of it too w00t!)
(and the owner gave us all bonuses b/c of it too w00t!)
Comment by Raine on 07/02/2009 17:44:04
Raine on 07/02/2009 17:44:04
Comment by livingonli on 07/02/2009 17:44:45
livingonli on 07/02/2009 17:44:45
Time to go head out and do some stuff. I think I need to hit the jackpot so I can pay off some stuff.
Comment by Raine on 07/02/2009 17:49:52
Raine on 07/02/2009 17:49:52
Comment by Scoopster on 07/02/2009 18:00:33
Scoopster on 07/02/2009 18:00:33
OWWWWW... yikes free running gone bad!
Comment by 
trojanrabbit on 07/02/2009 18:06:26
God: NOAH!!
Noah: Who is that?
God: It's the Lord, Noah.
Noah: Right ... Where are ya? What do ya want? I've been good.
God: I want you to build an ark.
Noah: Right ... What's an ark?
God: Get some wood and build it 300 cubits by 80 cubits by 40 cubits.
Noah: Right ... What's a cubit?
God: Well never mind. Don't worry about that right now. After you build the
ark, I want you to go out into the world and collect all the animals of the
world, two by two, male and female, and put them into the ark.
Noah: Right ... Who is this really? What's going on? How come you want me to
do all these weird things?
God: I'm going to destroy the world.
Noah: Right ... Am I on Candid Camera? How are you gonna do it?
God: I'm going to make it rain for a thousand days and drown them right out.
Noah: Right ... Listen, do this and you'll save water. Let it rain for forty
days and forty nights and wait for the sewers to back up.
God: Right...
trojanrabbit on 07/02/2009 18:06:26
Quote by TriSec:
New England on the verge...
God: NOAH!!
Noah: Who is that?
God: It's the Lord, Noah.
Noah: Right ... Where are ya? What do ya want? I've been good.
God: I want you to build an ark.
Noah: Right ... What's an ark?
God: Get some wood and build it 300 cubits by 80 cubits by 40 cubits.
Noah: Right ... What's a cubit?
God: Well never mind. Don't worry about that right now. After you build the
ark, I want you to go out into the world and collect all the animals of the
world, two by two, male and female, and put them into the ark.
Noah: Right ... Who is this really? What's going on? How come you want me to
do all these weird things?
God: I'm going to destroy the world.
Noah: Right ... Am I on Candid Camera? How are you gonna do it?
God: I'm going to make it rain for a thousand days and drown them right out.
Noah: Right ... Listen, do this and you'll save water. Let it rain for forty
days and forty nights and wait for the sewers to back up.
God: Right...
Comment by Raine on 07/02/2009 18:08:10
Raine on 07/02/2009 18:08:10
http://www.whitehouse.gov/live/
Chuck Todd end of Row in front... texting. Seriously Chuck -- would you like to be somewhere else? How about trying to pay attention? AssKnob.
Chuck Todd end of Row in front... texting. Seriously Chuck -- would you like to be somewhere else? How about trying to pay attention? AssKnob.
Comment by wickedpam on 07/02/2009 18:12:00
Noah: Whats a cubbit?
wickedpam on 07/02/2009 18:12:00
Quote by trojanrabbit:Quote by TriSec:
New England on the verge...
God: NOAH!!
Noah: Who is that?
God: It's the Lord, Noah.
Noah: Right ... Where are ya? What do ya want? I've been good.
God: I want you to build an ark.
Noah: Right ... What's an ark?
God: Get some wood and build it 300 cubits by 80 cubits by 40 cubits.
Noah: Right ... What's a cubit?
God: Well never mind. Don't worry about that right now. After you build the
ark, I want you to go out into the world and collect all the animals of the
world, two by two, male and female, and put them into the ark.
Noah: Right ... Who is this really? What's going on? How come you want me to
do all these weird things?
God: I'm going to destroy the world.
Noah: Right ... Am I on Candid Camera? How are you gonna do it?
God: I'm going to make it rain for a thousand days and drown them right out.
Noah: Right ... Listen, do this and you'll save water. Let it rain for forty
days and forty nights and wait for the sewers to back up.
God: Right...
Noah: Whats a cubbit?
Comment by Scoopster on 07/02/2009 18:15:52
He's really gone to shit since the election season ended.
Scoopster on 07/02/2009 18:15:52
Quote by Raine:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/live/
Chuck Todd end of Row in front... texting. Seriously Chuck -- would you like to be somewhere else? How about trying to pay attention? AssKnob.
He's really gone to shit since the election season ended.
Comment by Raine on 07/02/2009 19:25:53
Raine on 07/02/2009 19:25:53
:rofl: Randi Interviewing Bubbles the Chimp!!!
Comment by Raine on 07/02/2009 19:40:41
Raine on 07/02/2009 19:40:41
Randi is so snarky! (I hope she gets back to the business of the news tho)
Comment by livingonli on 07/02/2009 20:57:09
livingonli on 07/02/2009 20:57:09
I'm back. Did everyone miss me?
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 07/02/2009 21:00:45
:scans blog, testicles retract into body cavity:
Mondobubba on 07/02/2009 21:00:45
Quote by Raine:
Scoop, this one is for you...
Ohhhhh MAN!!! OUCH! Seriously OUCH!
:scans blog, testicles retract into body cavity:
Comment by Raine on 07/02/2009 21:11:03
What were you up to?
Raine on 07/02/2009 21:11:03
Quote by livingonli:
I'm back. Did everyone miss me?
What were you up to?
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/02/2009 21:16:58
Mondobubba on 07/02/2009 21:16:58
Hello all. I was listening to NPR's "Talk of the Nation" earlier, they were discussing with the NPR ombudsman why NPR calls waterboarding "enhanced interrogation" and not torture. Basically what the ombudsman was saying is it is NPR's policy to be neutral in all debates like this. Since there are people who feel that "enhanced interrogation" isn't torture. Um excuse me, WTF? The very people who came up with the "enhanced interrogation" are the very people who came up with the one-ply toilet paper thick legal arguments for this violation of both US and international law. The Bush administration came up with this verbal and legal sophistry to hide what they were doing and now NPR is saying there are two side in the debate? Fail: NPR.
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/02/2009 21:21:27
Mondobubba on 07/02/2009 21:21:27
Email I got from Robert Wexler:
Dear Doug,
This week marks the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots - which occurred in reaction to anti-gay raids by NY police in 1969 and are considered by many to be the beginning of the modern gay rights movement in America.
My parents, compassionate people, taught me that it's not enough to be tolerant of people different than ourselves: We must go beyond tolerance, and accept others as equals.
In my lifetime, the struggle for equal rights has made significant progress. Yet today, even with an African American president... even as we continue to break gender barriers and reverse the effects of centuries-long discrimination against African Americans, Native Americans, religious minorities, the disabled community, and others.... our laws actively discriminate against men and women who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered.
Throughout the country, this discrimination manifests in different ways.
In my own state of Florida, gays and lesbians are not allowed to adopt children, even as thousands of kids languish under state guardianship and in group homes. In Florida and most other states, no provision exists that grants legal recognition of civil unions - leaving many without benefits or visitation rights when their partner becomes ill or passes away.
This national lack of compassion and concern for our fellow Americans is immoral.
In Iraq and Afghanistan, honored combat veterans, desperately needed in the field, have been discharged from duty because it was disclosed they were gay.
Across America, couples who have lived together for decades in stable, committed relationships are denied health care benefits - because they are gay.
No one should have to uproot their family and move to a different state to gain these simple legal rights. It is fundamentally a denial of justice.
Like with so many issues we've discussed, we risk being defined by our inaction. Make no mistake -- there will be a time when the children of this country ask their parents why we allowed things to be this way - why we allowed decisions such as to who one chooses to love to be used as cause for denying a job, right of survivorship, or access to an ill companion.
On this issue, I have felt a moral obligation to stand on the side of compassion and justice. Long after my career ends, I hope to be proud of where I stood and of the support I gave for those who have made achieving equal rights their life's work.
I hope you see it as I do, and continue to push for equality for every American, including for our LGBT brothers and sisters.
With respect,
Congressman Robert Wexler
Dear Doug,
This week marks the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots - which occurred in reaction to anti-gay raids by NY police in 1969 and are considered by many to be the beginning of the modern gay rights movement in America.
My parents, compassionate people, taught me that it's not enough to be tolerant of people different than ourselves: We must go beyond tolerance, and accept others as equals.
In my lifetime, the struggle for equal rights has made significant progress. Yet today, even with an African American president... even as we continue to break gender barriers and reverse the effects of centuries-long discrimination against African Americans, Native Americans, religious minorities, the disabled community, and others.... our laws actively discriminate against men and women who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered.
Throughout the country, this discrimination manifests in different ways.
In my own state of Florida, gays and lesbians are not allowed to adopt children, even as thousands of kids languish under state guardianship and in group homes. In Florida and most other states, no provision exists that grants legal recognition of civil unions - leaving many without benefits or visitation rights when their partner becomes ill or passes away.
This national lack of compassion and concern for our fellow Americans is immoral.
In Iraq and Afghanistan, honored combat veterans, desperately needed in the field, have been discharged from duty because it was disclosed they were gay.
Across America, couples who have lived together for decades in stable, committed relationships are denied health care benefits - because they are gay.
No one should have to uproot their family and move to a different state to gain these simple legal rights. It is fundamentally a denial of justice.
Like with so many issues we've discussed, we risk being defined by our inaction. Make no mistake -- there will be a time when the children of this country ask their parents why we allowed things to be this way - why we allowed decisions such as to who one chooses to love to be used as cause for denying a job, right of survivorship, or access to an ill companion.
On this issue, I have felt a moral obligation to stand on the side of compassion and justice. Long after my career ends, I hope to be proud of where I stood and of the support I gave for those who have made achieving equal rights their life's work.
I hope you see it as I do, and continue to push for equality for every American, including for our LGBT brothers and sisters.
With respect,
Congressman Robert Wexler
Comment by Raine on 07/02/2009 21:29:22
Raine on 07/02/2009 21:29:22
That is a great letter... I hope he sponsors a bill to repeal DADT...
Comment by Raine on 07/02/2009 21:38:12
Raine on 07/02/2009 21:38:12
Well guesss what caller -- you get to KEEP your fabulous Healthcare... Friggin freeptard.
Comment by 
clintster on 07/02/2009 21:43:57
I think we need to agree to pick those up, and drive over in our Obama t-shirts, blasting Randi Rhodes on our car stereos. :)
clintster on 07/02/2009 21:43:57
Quote by Raine:
Teabagging fundraiser gone bad?
I think we need to agree to pick those up, and drive over in our Obama t-shirts, blasting Randi Rhodes on our car stereos. :)
Comment by Raine on 07/02/2009 21:46:59
Hey Clint, I left you a PM on the FaceCrack.
Raine on 07/02/2009 21:46:59
Quote by clintster:Quote by Raine:
Teabagging fundraiser gone bad?
I think we need to agree to pick those up, and drive over in our Obama t-shirts, blasting Randi Rhodes on our car stereos. :)
Hey Clint, I left you a PM on the FaceCrack.
Comment by livingonli on 07/02/2009 21:49:45
Had to go to the store and get some groceries and bought a t-shirt. Then I went out and got caught in a thunderstorm. I get home and there's another thunderstorm. This weather is driving me nuts though.
livingonli on 07/02/2009 21:49:45
Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
I'm back. Did everyone miss me?
What were you up to?
Had to go to the store and get some groceries and bought a t-shirt. Then I went out and got caught in a thunderstorm. I get home and there's another thunderstorm. This weather is driving me nuts though.
Comment by clintster on 07/02/2009 22:30:20
I'll talk to my people and I'll get right back to ya.
clintster on 07/02/2009 22:30:20
Quote by Raine:Quote by clintster:Quote by Raine:
Teabagging fundraiser gone bad?
I think we need to agree to pick those up, and drive over in our Obama t-shirts, blasting Randi Rhodes on our car stereos. :)
Hey Clint, I left you a PM on the FaceCrack.
I'll talk to my people and I'll get right back to ya.
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/02/2009 22:30:50
You are living on the edge, Sir.
Mondobubba on 07/02/2009 22:30:50
Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
I'm back. Did everyone miss me?
What were you up to?
Had to go to the store and get some groceries and bought a t-shirt. Then I went out and got caught in a thunderstorm. I get home and there's another thunderstorm. This weather is driving me nuts though.
You are living on the edge, Sir.
Comment by Raine on 07/02/2009 22:45:25
You betcha, Cherlie! 
Raine on 07/02/2009 22:45:25
Quote by clintster:Quote by Raine:Quote by clintster:Quote by Raine:
Teabagging fundraiser gone bad?
I think we need to agree to pick those up, and drive over in our Obama t-shirts, blasting Randi Rhodes on our car stereos. :)
Hey Clint, I left you a PM on the FaceCrack.
I'll talk to my people and I'll get right back to ya.
Comment by livingonli on 07/02/2009 22:54:55
livingonli on 07/02/2009 22:54:55
Lizz is on The Ed Show right now. Too bad her segment is so short.
Comment by Raine on 07/02/2009 22:58:34
Raine on 07/02/2009 22:58:34
zOMG... When Spell check and Freepers collide:
"They are peeved because the omnipotent netherlands have gone into restricted exposure and that cuts back severely on @ss kissing time."
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2284172/posts#...
I suspect said Freeper was trying to spell 'Neanderthal' -- unless he really meant the Dutch are all powerful? Did he mean nether regions?
This is a thread about how the Helen Thomas is accusing Obama for not being transparent.
What a Moran Netherland! This is Hugh! I'm Series!11!!
"They are peeved because the omnipotent netherlands have gone into restricted exposure and that cuts back severely on @ss kissing time."
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2284172/posts#...
I suspect said Freeper was trying to spell 'Neanderthal' -- unless he really meant the Dutch are all powerful? Did he mean nether regions?
This is a thread about how the Helen Thomas is accusing Obama for not being transparent.
What a Moran Netherland! This is Hugh! I'm Series!11!!
Comment by livingonli on 07/02/2009 23:58:04
livingonli on 07/02/2009 23:58:04
And now another thunderstorm is passing through this is getting ridiculous.
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/03/2009 00:05:13
Mondobubba on 07/03/2009 00:05:13
If I may:
Big big badaboom
Wind ripples the gator pond
Here comes the scared cat!
Big big badaboom
Wind ripples the gator pond
Here comes the scared cat!
Comment by livingonli on 07/03/2009 00:24:54
livingonli on 07/03/2009 00:24:54
At least Countdown is bringing back up Todd Palin's association with the AIP.
Comment by livingonli on 07/03/2009 01:05:08
livingonli on 07/03/2009 01:05:08
Another Michael Jackson hour. Time to check some stuff in the DVR.